Cast takes Anne Frank to heart

March 23, 2008|By Beth Feinstein-Bartl Special Correspondent

Alexandra Reich, who has the lead in The Diary of Anne Frank, doesn't have to envision where the Jewish teenager and her family hid from the Nazis. She saw the then-secret annex, now a museum, on a visit to Amsterdam.

She's finding other common ground with the play's protagonist, as well. Reich, also Jewish, is about the same age as Frank, who was 13 when she began keeping a journal. But it's the memory of her trip to Holland that's giving her valuable insight, adding a richness to the role that can't be gained from a book or movie.

"It's become very real to me," said Reich, 14, of Davie.

Rehearsals are having a similar profound affect on her fellow castmates, all students at the University Center for the Performing Arts.

Anne Frank is their pick for their annual spring production. Shows will be staged at 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. March 30 at the school's 120-seat theater, 2240 SW 70th Ave.

Tickets cost $16 for adults and $10 for children age 12 and younger.

The play combines talents from the adult and teen acting workshops. It's also a departure from the lighter fare that's been staged the past two years. This season, students decided to go in a different direction and tackle a drama, said William Butland, the show's director.

"It's a beautiful story," he said. "I read the play and cried."

The production brings together a 12-member cast of varying ages, professions and cultural backgrounds. The diversity has been a plus, with people drawing on their own experiences and family histories, said Butland, a permit expediter for a construction company who lives in Cooper City.

An American Indian with ties to the Penobscot Indian Nation in Maine, N. Eric Phillips said he's looked at the history of his own culture and wants the play to be a message about the injustices still happening in today's world.

"I'm glad to be involved," said Phillips, a television writer from Pembroke Pines who is playing the part of businessman Mr. Van Daan.

Playing mother and son on stage and in real life, Tommy and Kathleen Bushak, of Davie, said the play strikes close to home. Kathleen Bushak said her father-in-law was a Christian political prisoner sent to Auschwitz.

"Anne Frank is a true story," said Tommy Bushak, 15, "It should open people's eyes."

At practices, the actors have taken their roles to heart. "Everyone's done incredible research," Butland said. "It's been a wonderful experience."

The play isn't all dark. "It shows the power of love and friendship," Butland said. "These are universal themes that speak to all people."

For information, go to www.universitycenterfortheperformingarts.com or call 954-475-3000.